Indiana Disaster Relief Fund Begins Distribution of $307,000 in Aid to Citizens in 27 Counties for Mid-Year Severe Weather

The State of Indiana has begun issuing an estimated $307,000 in payments to citizens in 27 counties who suffered damage due to severe weather in June and July. At this time, 49 checks for up to about $2,500 are being issued. This is based on the overall dollar amount available and a projected number of applicants — 118.

“While Indiana did not qualify for disaster grants to citizens according to federal guidelines, there are many out there hurting, and our charge is to help our citizens,” said Governor Mike Pence. “The damage seen across the state as a result of this summer’s severe weather is far greater than some realize, and our state is well positioned to help ease the burden on those people still trying to recover.”

Citizens in the following counties are eligible for the grants from the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security: Adams, Allen, Bartholomew, Blackford, Brown, Clark, Delaware, Grant, Hendricks, Huntington, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.

The counties qualified for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low interest disaster loans. Applicants turned down for SBA loans are eligible for the state grants. The deadline to apply for SBA loans was October 19.

Applications for state relief will be paid according to a consistent formula until about January 20, 2016. At that time, any remaining funds will be supplementally and proportionally distributed to anyone qualifying for an amount more than the original award cap.

This process allows the state to assist qualifying applicants as soon as possible, while verifying that the funds will be available for all potentially eligible applicants.

Indiana is one of the few states in the country that has a funded State Disaster Relief Fund. Established in 2003, the fund provides assistance to disaster affected individuals and governments that were not eligible for federal disaster loans, but met the state’s criteria for disaster relief. Fees from retail fireworks sales provide the funding.